Monk threatens to close Dhamma schools if liquor bar is set up

H L Sunil Shantha - Kalutara Daily News Corr

The Chief Registrar of the All Ceylon Shasanarakshaka Mandalaya and the Chief Incumbent of Purana Vajrakoth Viharaya (Korosduwa temple), Wadduwa Ven Gonaduwe Gunananda Thera has threatened to close down all Dhamma schools located in the Wadduwa police division if a new taven (foreign liquor shop) or liquor bar is opened in the Wadduwa town in the middle of four temples, and in close proximity of a school.

The Thera says that he has been working hard for nearly nine years to stop this illegal liquor bar, from openning which is the wish of many residents whose children go to schools, in the Wadduwa area fear to speak out.

”We the Chief Incumbents have been protesting against this illegal opening of this unwanted foreign liquor bar since 2002.

The All Ceylon Shasanarakshaka Mandalaya has unanimously decided to close down all the Dhamma schools in the Wadduwa police area with effect from August 1 if the Excise Commissioner grants permission to open this liquor bar at Wadduwa “If this bar is allowed to open in Wadduwa, we have decided to close down all Dhamma schools,” Chief Incumbent and the Chief Registrar of the All Ceylon Shasanarakshaka Mandalaya, told the Daily News.

Ven Gunananda Thera further says the letter dated 8.3.2011 with the signature of the Superintendent of Police (Panadura), M A Edmon Mahendra, states that the Wadduwa Police OIC, has reported to him that the opening of a new liquor shop in Wadduwa can lead to a strong and serious public protest in the town.